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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Week 1: Introduction- Thing 1 and Thing 2

Now that you are interested in taking this adventure, stepping outside your comfort zone, let’s discuss Web 2.0.  
So, what is Web 2.0?  When did we upgrade from Web 1.0?  What has Web 2.0 done for the big WWW.   Let’s find out- watch this brief video:



Did you catch on to the theme?  CREATE, COMMUNICATE AND COLLABORATE...the 3 C's of Web 2.0.  We have shifted into this new culture where collaboration and interaction are commonplace.  How do we feel about this as a 21 Century Educator?


“What is good learning? That may be a subjective question. But it’s likely that many educators would give answers that fall in the same ballpark…

…students collaborating and discussing ideas, possible solutions…
…project-based learning, designed around real world contexts…
…connecting with other students around the world, on topics of study…
…immersing students in a learning experience that allows them to grapple with a problem, gaining higher-order thinking skills from pursuing the solution…” 
(Klopfer, Eric, Scot Osterweil, Jennifer Groff, and Jason Haas, 2009)

Tech-tivity 1 and Reflection 1
  1. Watch this video called “Did You Know?" created by Karl Fisch.

2.  After watching, reflect on “good learning” discussed above and what that means based on the statistics presented in the video.  Post your reflection below on the Junkie blog by clicking on the reply link.  Feel free to add additional information or comment on other’s Junkie reflections.  Remember you may remain anonymous if you like.  Your name can even be creative!  It will be fun trying to guess "who is who" in Technology Junkie Land…


3. PRINT OUT or Create a Virtual Log In Cheat Sheet so you can keep track of all your usernames and passwords.
Sources:
Klopfer,Eric, Scot Osterweil, Jennifer Groff, and Jason Haas. The Instructional Power of Digital Games Social Networking Simulations and How Teachers Can Leverage Them. Publication. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2009. Web. 15 Feb. 2011. <http://education.mit.edu/papers/GamesSimsSocNets_EdArcade.pdf>.

53 comments:

Anonymous said...

The video just shows how technology has a huge impact on how we function through our everyday lives. Technology is no longer what we use to write a paper or research a topic. Technology exceeds that, it allows us to meet, explore, create, and collaborate with others. Technology gives us the opportunity to expand our thoughts and ideas beyond our physical presence.

Mrs. Stewart said...

Well put!

Anonymous said...

It is really amazing to think about all that. I thought I was pretty tech savy for the experience I have had- but excel and word and powerpoint etc are just the basic - not even the tip of the iceberg! Good learning is reaching the kids with what they know- and teaching them all the new technology so that they can be ready for their future. It is a daunting responsibility.

Tara said...

And I thought geting my 80 year old grandmas to send email and get on facebook was hard. Just think of how hard it will be for me to keep up in 20 years. LOL My kids will have a tough job teaching me!
If the last data was in 2007 just imagine the numbers now. I find the hardest thing to do with new technologies is get great at using it! Unlike textbooks that we get every 4 years or so as resources, there are so many new things that just flood us everyday with technology.
I need to start keeping a log of technologies that I am comfortable using and reuse some of the ones that I have already forgotten or find updates that can make them more useful.

blhofffma said...

Well, can I just say this is all extremely overwhelming to me. I know we need to becomne tech savy and be able to reach our students of the twenty-first century. It just seems to me the more I learn about technology, the more I need to learn. I feel so inadequate in my wee bit of knowledge. Anything new and challenging takes lots of time to learn, practice, and apply. I appreciate the youth taking their time and energy to help those of us not raised in the computer era. I truly am an "immigrant" in this whole process. I would love to get to the point in my classroom where collaboration takes place using the technological advances. Who knows? Maybe an old dog can learn some new tricks. I'm game to try.:)

Beatlefan1966 said...

Wow! It really is overwhelming to think about all the information that is out there...and all the technology that is available AND being created every single day! The possibilities for students are endless, and so are the possibilities for educators. I REALLY appreciate Cassandra doing this for us...I've heard about wikis and blogs and podcasts, but I've never known how to begin learning about them! I'm really looking forward to learning (my #1 strength for those who were around when we did the Teach To Your Strengths test!!). OCS will ROCK WITH TECHNOLOGY!!!!!

jnwalke1 said...

It really is crazy to think how much technology has been become a part of our daily lives. What used to be considered a privledge, has now became the norm. There are times already where the students know more than their teachers who are supposably tech savvy as well.

easenez said...

I remember my family getting its very first computer. It was a big deal. It didn't even have Windows! In my house now I have 3 computers, 2 iphones, an ipod, 1 leapster, 1 DS and a WII. These students are experiencing the same thing. We have to be able to tap into what they are interested in to capture their attention.

rmoncelsi said...

We are constantly asking ourselves (or at least I am) "where did you learn that", "how did you know how to beat that game level when you cant read an entire book." The students that we teach now are so much more tech savy than I ever thought probable. The students that we currently have and the ones (sigh) are so much more tech dependent than any generation befor. Whether its babysitting the child, helpful educational games or just a time filler before bed- our students are on something electronic more than hours than they are in our classrooms. We have talked on our team about teaching the kids on thier level- as in their interst level. I grew up watching Reading Rainbow, so many kids today cannot sit still for an entire episode its silly. I am excited about the course because of all of the things I can bring into the classroom and hopefully grab their attention

Nancy Keck said...

It is interesting to see how things have even changed in the past four years. As I watch this video, I note that the internet and all of the changes it represents have taken place during my son's lifetime. I marvel at his ability to handle so many digital inputs at one time as I struggle to handle one at a time. We truly need to adjust how we teach and what we teach. This new generation are truly digital natives, while though we are foreigners, we must adapt. We must use our wisdom and experience to direct their digital skill for them to be successful in this new digital age. I am a strong advocate of Project Based Learning and feel that we must have our students create, communicate and collaborate effectively

kgtatum1 said...

O.K.! This is attempt three to post a comment. New word for the technology generation -- techno-nitwit. It's amazing to realize our language has grown more in the past 20 years than in the past 200. The idea that Myspace could be the world's 8th largest country and I know nothing about it? Many of my students will probably be citizens of it by middle school. I want to teach with the tools my students use and in the language they speak.

Nancy Keck said...

I thought that was interesting when they talked about myspace in the video...big in 2006...funny thing is, its day is already past with facebook having won out.

wilt said...

Technology is everywhere. We can find out any information now at the touch of a button. To think of all the facts that were posted in that one podcast made me realize just how much everyone is really using technology. There is so much to learn about how to use technology better.

Anonymous said...

Wow - everything is moving too fast for my brain to process.

Anonymous said...

Well..."I did not know" even a fraction of the information presented in that video. I am far behind times when it comes to the world of technology and what it can and is doing for our students and the world at large. It is time for me to become a part of it!

Anonymous said...

It is truly amazing what technology is available today and who uses it. When you see on news programs that preschoolers are using iPads it makes me wonder how did we ever get along without these tools. I don't even think it would be possible to imagine what technology will be able to do in just five years. It is true, we do need to engage the students with what they are already using.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Every time I see something like this it makes me stop and think. I guess I’m still stuck between old school and tech-school. It’s a good place to be though. I hope in the near future to use some of this technology to help my students create and collaborate. It’s going to take some playing and planning though.

Mrs. Stewart said...

Planning is KEY!

aljollie said...

I agree that good education involves creating, communicating, and colloboration. It is a shame that I feel as if I don't have time in my classroom for students to create until after FCAT time. The past two years, I have had my gradebook online for parents which has opened up daily communication on a whole new level. However most teachers at my school do not like parents having access to their gradebooks. Colloboration at my school is conducted mainly through email, gmail, and now edmodo. I'm eager to learn more ways to make learning exciting for students, because powerpoints and photo stories are "old news" to my incoming students.

Mrs. Stewart said...

@aljollie-
Hopefully you will find some tools you can incorporate daily, if not weekly into your classroom! Welcome to the course.

Cyndi said...

I have seen several versions of the shifthappens clips and they never cease to amaze me. I agree that the challenge of helping prepare our students for this new world is overwhelming and that preparation is the key. I am always looking for new ways to motivate and challenge my high school students as well as have them share and teach me.

Alice said...

All I can say is WOW! and to think this video is almost 5 years old. I can't imagine what the statistics are today. As a teacher, I'm aware of how much we need to keep improving our own education in order to meet the needs of our students. no matter how many workshops I take, how much I keep trying to keep up with technology, I feel like I'm always far behind; but if I can just learn a couple of things that I can share with students, then maybe I can make a difference.

MJ said...

This clip really underscores the importance technology plays in education today. I'm excited to learn to think like a "native" :)

Dcjacobs said...

I have seen similar presentations on the future of technology and education. I am disappointed that our state legislatures have not allocated the resources to prepare for that future. I have two computers that hook up to the Internet, for student use. I have purchased my own technology with limited funds. How can I prepare students when we don't have the resources? It seems we should have technology teachers, perhaps part of the special area schedule but then you need a computer lab set up for instruction. I am excited about the new textbook adoptions as the publishers are preparing for this change with online resources like virtual manipulatives, virtual labs, web videos, etc. Thank you for doing this online course to help those teachers who are trying to move forward.

Anonymous said...

I agree, every student shoud have access to an internet device in the class room so they can access content on Web 2.0.

dcjacobs said...

Students need to know that there is more than one way to approach a problem. And that there is more than on authority and more than one resource. I feel very limited with the technology I do have. I only just got a laptop with a wireless mouse- woo hoo. Thought I went to heaven to be able to utilize the computer without sitting at the computer. I can't imagine my classroom if every child had a laptop.

Jason said...

We've known about this shift for years and yet it is still difficult to get commitment from all teachers to use new methods for student learning. We digital natives need to help our digital immigrant colleagues embrace all of the wonderful technology the world has to offer and show them the benefits for both the teacher and student.

Katy said...

I don't know about the rest of you, but my school's FCAT scores really slipped this year. We simply can no longer ignore the fact that our students learn differently. We have to engage them differently. It is like pulling teeth to get my teachers to view the computer lab as anything other than a means for skill drills, i.e., FCAT Explorer, Fastt Math, etc. All well and good, but any project-based learning ideas are reserved for after FCAT, as if they are Fun Friday type projects. I was thrilled to see so many of my teachers at the tech conference held at University High School last week. Evidently our AP asked teachers in their evaluations, "where is your technology training?" It's a start ...

christine said...

I was very surprised with the facts that were given in the movie. Hearing those facts motivates me to do more with my kids. I had the great honor of being part of a grant this year that incorporated technology into our curriculum. It included hours and hours of training on how to use the equipment. To be totally honest...it was the most intense year of my 12 years of teaching...but at the same time I felt I reached more kids using the new technology (Mac books, iPads, iTouches, flip camera, etc...) The kids and I learned the new equipment together...they were fearless.. I was cautious. I am so glad to be taking this course to learn even MORE tools that I can put into my tool belt to help my kids be successful! :)

Mrs. Stewart said...

@Jason:
Agreed. I think it is our obligation actually...

Mrs. Stewart said...

@Katy:
Our FCAT dropped as well, in math BIG TIME. Again, out with the old and in with the new. We need NEW METHODS and OPEN MINDS- our kids expect it!

Unknown said...

These 2 videos serve to further what I have been thinking for several years now, that we can no longer use teaching methods that were effective 10, 20, or 30 years ago. Our students have been exposed to so much more than we were as children, technologically speaking, and in order for them to master content we need to step up our teaching and use the tools that will grab their attention and then allow them to create sites, pieces of writing, games, or other Web 2.0 things that allow them to apply what they are learning. I have no doubt that some of the world's major problems will be solved by our students if we adults will learn to give them the tools and then let them go to create solutions. "The kids are alright."

techfobia said...

Wow! What an eye opener that was. Today's education requires that teachers keep up with all new trends of technology in order to be outstanding. Students of the
21st century are "almost" born with knowledge of computers. At times I feel that 4 year olds know more than our parents in the area of technology. I am so glad I decided to take this course so I can prepare my students for a succesful future in any area they choose. Students need to learn and practice the use of technology to get all the resources and training abailable to them through computers.This generation does not allowed neither children or adults to stay behind using only paper and pencil.

Mme Augat said...

We just don't have a choice anymore: we must adjust to this changing world, and to our students' ways of experiencing the world. I feel that, being from an more "ancient" generation, I need to focus on the third of the 3 C's: collaboration. Was not emphasized much in the old times. I am hoping to be able to foster it, through technology.

Meredith Gilbert said...

Wow! That is eye opening to say the least. I have aways wanted to include more technology in my classroom, but have been hesitant because I teach little ones (first grade). Not only is technology equipment scarce, I thought it would take up too much time training them on how to use what we do have! Seeing these statistics makes me realize that they CAN do it and need to. It is my job to educate my students and prepare them for the future...technology HAS to be a part of that. Not me just using technology in a lesson, them using the technology to create and learn!

Sherri Callahan said...

I loved the graphics in this video...so simple! I have so much hope for this class to give me the confidence to use techie tools with and for my students, school and parents. I feel so bad that I'm behind in understanding and using more tech in my life...but to be honest, I think it's because I'm a cheapskate! I recently tried out an 'android' phone and loved it, but found I was spending more time looking at it than around me and i couldn't validate the added $ for the data plan. My parents sure rubbed off on me! And the time! (it's taken me several tries to actually leave a successful comment to this and the ex. credit blog(?) I decided summer was a perfect time to spend making those mistakes and catching up with my students. The video was made in 2006 and it's now 2011seems to indicate that while technology is EXPLODING exponentially, the "learning to use it" falls behind. I don't want to feel guilty (though of course I do), but at least I'm not alone! It's funny, but I've asked students to teach me things on the computer and many times they get frustrated just trying to explain things. SO we teachers have to give ourselves some credit for our craft...teaching takes thorough understanding. I feel lucky our county offers these type of courses and keeps offering them from experts that can explain it to us! YAY!

Anonymous said...

After watching this video, I feel motivated to do more with my students than ever. I realize how important it is for me to continually learn about the use of technology in the classroom and how it can truly benefit our young ones. The statistics mentioned are astonishing. Our world is ever changing, and more and more information is being taken in and put out. I am looking forward to learning how I can incorporate technology into my classroom more and expose students to a whole new world of learning. We owe it to our students to prepare them for the future!

Anonymous said...

After watching this video, it only makes me more sad to know that our students are not equipped with sufficient technology in the classroom in order to create, collaborate, and communicate. It would be so wonderful if the technology were available to students. I can barely imagine what students would and could do if the opportunity was available.

Anonymous said...

How scary! At one time we (US) were leaders in education and look how far we have fallen behind. As a high school math teacher I feel technology is the answer to keeping my students both engaged and eager to learn the objectives they seem to think are difficult and they will never use. My fear with technolgy however is our students are loosing their ability to be creative, communicate, and collaborate with the (physical) human. I have always tried to teach my students that it is not the correct answer that I am always looking for but how to get answers to our questions. Technology advancements has certainly opened doors to some who would stop short of seeking answers. I am looking forward to building my skills and moving into the techy world:)

J. Whittley said...

One of the statistics that quickly caught my attention was that 70% of 4 year olds have used a computer. I would not have expected that figure to be so high, especially since I work in a relatively low socio-economic environment and am often told my students do not have computers nor Internet access at home. That being said, I have to concur with majority of the educators posting on here. Our world is becoming increasingly more technologically based daily. In order for our students to be competitive in the job market, we must find ways to get technology in their hands and teach them the necessary skills to get the optimal amount of use from that technology. If we truly believe that failure is not an option, then we must change how we think and teach to comfortably include the use of technology in our classrooms consistently and efficiently. One would never send a soldier into battle without arming him/her first; effective use of technology is what we must arm our students with to meet the battle of independent adulthood with success!

Michele said...

My neighbor's daughter loved to take her dad's iPhone, find the pictures, and look at them, by herself, when she was 2. Toddlers can do that, but I am sure many of us (myself included) have struggled to answer a cell phone we are not familiar with. There seems to be a new type of "technology generation gap" developing.

However, while our students are tech savvy when it comes to entertainment, as educators, we need to assist them in learning to use technology to learn and explore, to present their questions and ideas, to work together and build knowledge. And, while many educators may resist it, it seems logical that we need to use technology in the same way.

Gizbe said...

I remember seeing the first "Shift Happens" presentation in 2007. The statistics continue to amaze me. Reality check, my own teenage sons have their ipod touch stuck in their hand. I have resorted to sending "to do" lists to them via email! When we look at our students most of us need to be honest with ourselves that they are more technologically savvy than we are. My hope is that I can challenge them and together we "create, collaborate and communicate."

SShaw said...

Again, left feeling that I am way behind my students, but hopeful that awareness is half the battle. If I take it a step at a time, using the resources at hand, collaborating with other teachers and students, then I can begin to create and communicate in new and different ways. As an educator, my own learning simply cannot stand still, especially vital in light of the shocking statistics presented in this 2007 shifthappens video. While my 2.5 year old grandson may not understand WHAT he is seeing and doing on his dad's ipad, he nevertheless is fearlessly exploring. That is what I want for me and other teachers at my school; to set aside my old habits and enter this experience like a child! Thanks for taking the helm, Cassandra! We will go with you where we haven't been before! Okay, too much Star Trek, showing my age!

Love 4 You 2 Read said...

I have finally gotten started! Hopefully, I will gain a lot of knowledge that I can use to engage my middle school students! At such a "techie" time in their lives, I think it is wasteful not to show them how to use all their technology to its potential!

Christina said...

I love this video! I watched it for the first time in my Technology class at Stetson. It was so interesting to watch people's faces while some of the statistics popped up. We are in such an interesting and fun time to teach, I can't believe how far we have come since I started teaching 7 years ago. I am so excited to take this workshop and really take the initiative to incorportate technology into my class. I want to be a techie!

LateComer said...

While information and technology are growing exponentially, and our children are picking up on all the new "apps" and hardware, our task is to guide them through learning to use technology wisely. For our children to succeed in the 21st century, I believe we need to guide them to be prudent users, able to recognize reputable sources and valid information. You Tube is fun, but how often is it reliable? Nor, does sitting in front of a computer interacting with others electronically prepare them adequately for face-to-face settings. We also must prepare to help the "have nots" so that all our children will be able to compete equally.I see my job as a guide to teach them to focus on learning (yes, reading, writing, and arithmetic) that is incorporated in the technology they seamlessly integrate into their daily lives, a task that can only be started with the knowledge of the technology that is and an eagerness to see what is to come. For one who accessed the word wide web for the first time in 1992, all I can say is "exponential does not even describe the changes!"

stageforlearning said...

As all before me have mentioned, the facts provided are truly mind boggling. Technology has been immersed into our daily lives and children are ready to use it. Why not let them??? We need to move beyond drill and kill technology into creative technology that allows our students to demonstrate what they know in a variety of contexts. Our society changes so quickly, we need to jump on board before we are left at the station.

Anonymous said...

Very thought provoking and inspiring! I do believe that the need for classroom technology in the hands of ALL students is imperative at this point but where is the funding? We live in difficult times....

Michelle Zirkelbach said...

"Good Learning" has certainly changed over the years! The 3 R's have evlolved and this thought provoking vdeo makes it clear the biggest changes are yet to come. Although it states we can't imagine the challenge our students will face or the compoistion of the technology that will be at their disposal, the creator was insightful in expressing that by 2013 a computer could out compute a human - that was put to the test with Watson on Jeopardy in February 2011!

Anonymous said...

I see personally that my son uses most of his technological abilities for gaming. I am sometimes disappointed that he does not utilize the Internet for access to quick and valuable information. He is not as impressed as I, since he is oblivious to the evolution of this information resource. Television, books, and people still provide him with his primary knowledge base. I want to learn more about digital content for the classroom that has appeal for our students.

Wright's Rippers said...

I watched the video and read your comments and agree. I have 2 kids and I am amazed at them and what they can do. I try to keep learning to keep up with them. I am looking forwared to the activities during the course to implement this year.

mkj said...

Yes, indeed, it is very thought-provoking. It is obvious that time constraints limit how much we can do in the classroom, but technology is such an important tool for linking the student to the world beyond the classroom and beyond our borders. Just last week I read a post on EdModo from an English teacher in Chile who is looking for a Spanish teacher in the US who wants to have his/her class Skype with his students. I hope the VCS district can support us as we strive for real world applications.

Michelle Deibler said...

I already know the importance of technology in the classroom,and as a fifth grade teacher, I can't wait to find more ways to get my students involved in learning-- with technology!